Left Hand Outdoor Challenge Teen Member Description

The Left Hand Outdoor Challenge (LHOC) teen members must have an interest in the outdoors and be willing to be involved in outdoor activities, volunteer service, and environmental stewardship. LHOC teen members will work closely with one another, volunteer program mentors and ranger staff to safely acquire and develop the skills they need to actively protect the outdoors, become engaged community members and explore career paths.

Teen Member Benefits:
• Build strong relationships with local teen members and outdoor professionals
• Volunteer and learn with your friends and make new ones
• Be a part of a positive team that contributes to the Boulder County community
• Explore a variety of natural environments, land management duties and conservation issues
• Gain leadership and team building skills
• Earn community service hours while helping to protect parks and open spaces
• Learn about careers in the outdoors
• Network with other teens from local stewardship programs

Position Requirements:
• Be between 14 and 18 years old as of Sept. 1, 2025
• Be open to challenging yourself, working as a positive team member and have a desire to contribute to your community
• Attend all monthly challenges and meetings for the academic year (September- May). Wednesday meetings are two-hour sessions to prepare for the upcoming monthly Saturday challenges
• You must adhere to Boulder County Parks and Open Space policies and procedures and submit to the guidance and direction of Boulder County Parks and Open Space staff

Dress Code:
• LHOC teen members will be given a blue Left Hand Outdoor hooded sweater and must bring it with them when participating in Wednesday Meetings and Saturday Challenges.
• All other t-shirts, jackets and hats are allowed—ensure there are no inappropriate slogans, images, or words.
• Jeans, solid color earth-tone pants, sweatpants and shorts are permissible. They must be worn around the waist.
• Comfortable walking shoes. All shoes, including sandals must be closed toe. No flip flops.
• You must have the appropriate clothing for the challenge or activity. It’s the teen members responsibility to ask the LHOC Ranger Coordinator in advance for assistance with getting appropriate clothing (winter jackets, closed toed shoes etc.)

LHOC Basecamp and Challenge Dates

LHOC meets for a full-day challenge on a Saturday once a month from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. To prepare for these challenges - and for additional skill building - we also meet for one Basecamp each month on a Wednesday evening, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. 

• September: Camping and Volunteer Project
  • Basecamp: September 3, 2025
  • Challenge: September 20-21, 2025
• October: Ropes Course
  • Basecamp: October 1, 2025
  • Challenge: October 11, 2025
• November: Land Restoration Project
  • Basecamp: November 5, 2025
  • Challenge: November 15, 2025
• December: First aid & CPR
  • Basecamp: December 3, 2025
  • Challenge: December 13, 2025
• January: Youth Outdoor Career Exploration Day
  • Basecamp: January 14, 2026
  • Challenge: January 24, 2025
• February: Winter Skills Exploration and Preparedness
  • Basecamp: February 11, 2026
  • Challenge: February 21, 2026
• March: Rock Climbing (Girls and Nonbinary Youth) & Equine Assisted Therapy (Boys)
  • Challenge: March 7, 2026
• April: Outdoor Wellness: Yoga, Forest Bathing, Self-Defense
  • Challenge: April 11, 2026
• May: Mountain Biking and Volunteer Project
  • Basecamp: April 29, 2026
  • Challenge: May 2, 2026

Please note: this calendar is subject to change.

Boulder County Parks & Open Space

WAIVER AND RELEASE AGREEMENT

THIS IS A RELEASE OF LIABILITY, PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING

(también disponible en español)

In return for receiving permission from Boulder County Parks & Open Space Department (“BCPOS”) to participate in an activity (as a volunteer or otherwise), and after due consideration of age, health, physical condition, ability, and the inherent risks and personal risks involved in such activity, I voluntarily agree to assume all risks of loss that may arise out of  participation and waive any and all potential claims against Boulder County and other parties described below.

I release, indemnify, and hold harmless, BCPOS, the Board of County Commissioners, Boulder County, and their respective agents or representatives, including staff, volunteers, and any groups associated with any activity (collectively the “Indemnified Parties”), from liability for any demands or actions or causes of action whatsoever, arising out of damage, loss or injury to person or property, whether anticipated or unanticipated, while participating in the activities contemplated by this agreement, whether such damage, loss, or injury results from the negligence of BCPOS, the Board of County Commissioners, or Boulder County or their respective agents or representatives.

I realize that participating in the activities on open space may involve the use of tools as well as other risks and hazards. Some activities may be off a designated trail corridor or on rough terrain and present risks of injury. I may be participating with other people who may not be accustomed to the activities. I am aware of the risks and hazards inherent in participation and do hereby assume sole responsibility for all such risks and waive all claims against the Indemnified Parties and their respective agents, representatives, officers, employees, successors, assigns, and insurers.

I authorize Boulder County to obtain medical attention for me or my child(ren) in case of emergency, and I release BCPOS, the Board of County Commissioners, Boulder County, and their agents, representatives, officers, employees, successors, assigns, and insurers from liability for obtaining such medical attention.

If BCPOS provides transportation services in connection with the activities, I understand the inherent risks associated with transportation services and voluntarily assume such risks.

I agree to abide by the rules and regulations of BCPOS while participating in any activities. I acknowledge that I have read, understood and voluntarily agreed to all terms in this waiver and release agreement on my behalf and on behalf of the minor child(ren) named below (if any).